Project D.A.T.E.

Project D.A.T.E. is a peer education, date or acquaintance rape prevention program sponsored by University Counseling Services and Strength United. Peer educators of Project D.A.T.E. make classroom presentations that are designed to achieve the following.

Educate students of the psychological and cultural issues related to rape

Inform students of the legal and medical issues related to rape

Develop awareness of the issue of rape and ways to prevent rape

As part of this project, peer educators develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills.

Facts about date rape

Eighty-five percent of rapes that occur on college campuses are committed by someone with whom the victim is acquainted.

Fifty percent of rapes of college women are committed on dates.

Twenty-five percent of all college women report experiencing acquaintance rape or attempted rape.

Ninety-five percent of all rapes occur when the rapist, victim or both are under the influence of alcohol.

Rape is an act of violence.

Of those cases that are reported, women ranging in age from 18 to 24 are at greatest risk of being raped.

Promoting a rape free environment at CSUN

Guidelines for women

Avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs. Be aware that some men may use alcohol as a means of coercing you to do things you may not want to do, and alcohol may enhance aggressive tendencies in males.

Pay attention to what is happening around you. Watch for nonverbal cues.

Trust your intuition. If you feel that you are being pressured in any way, you probably are and you should leave the situation.

Be assertive. Sometimes men interpret not responding as permission. Be direct and firm with someone who is sexually pressuring you.

Communicate your limits clearly and early. If you mean no, say "NO" firmly. If he persists, then leave.

Know your sexual desire limits. You have the right to set limits. If you are not sure what you want, it's ok to stop and think about it.

Guidelines for men

Avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs. Even if you are drunk, you are legally accountable for your behavior by the state law.

It is your responsibility to know all of the forms of sexual misconduct. Touching can be a form of sexual assault.

Be aware of social pressures. It's ok not to "score."

Understand that the other person may not share your desire for intimate contact or for sex.

Don't assume that previous sexual contact applies to the current situation.

If you're unsure about your partner's desires, then ask.

Don't assume that just because a woman dresses in a sexy manner she wants to have intimate contact.